James P. McGovern

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 143) enabling Congress to advance important policies.

in committee

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

in committee

United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2026

in committee

“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E877-E878] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF JOSEPH ELDRIDGE ______ HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, September 18, 2025 Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the lifelong contributions of Reverend Joseph Eldridge, who celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year. I have had the honor of knowing Joe for his selfless devotion to the causes of human rights and social justice over many decades, particularly with respect to Central and South America. Joe has been called a ``servant-leader'', which I think is a perfect way of describing the way he has offered his knowledge, his integrity, his hard work and his faith to lift up the poor, the sick and the oppressed, often at great risk to his own safety and security. Throughout his life, Joe Eldridge has demonstrated his love of humanity and his respect for every person's dignity. He listened deeply and given wholeheartedly. From his earliest beginnings, growing up in Tennessee and inspired by his father, who was a Methodist minister, Joe has stood up for what is right. In a social environment that was filled with racism and fear, he believed in a God who is fundamentally loving and accepting. He became [[Page E878]] active in the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960's and 1970's, and after attending seminary decided to expand his knowledge of the world by working as a missionary. He soon ended up in Santiago, Chile, where he endured the 1973 coup that deposed President Salvador Allende. As he began witnessing the abuses of the Pinochet regime and guiding foreign journalists to document them, his friends started disappearing. He returned to the United States to pursue a master's degree at American University's School of International Service. Over the next two decades he piled up an impressive record of leadership by founding the Washington D.C. Office on Latin America, with which I have worked closely on so many issues, and directing the D.C. office of Lawyers Committee for Human Rights (now Human Rights First). He also worked on Latin American rights for the United Methodist Church and got himself thrown out of Honduras for investigating abuses by its military junta. In the 1990's and 2000's, Joe continued his passionate advocacy for human rights and justice through his service as a School of International Service professor and as American University's longest serving chaplain. He is known for transforming the Kay Spiritual Life Center into ``a hub for social justice and courageous conversation on campus,'' and for bringing human rights and racial equity into the forefront of campus engagement. And it was not only in the university community that he performed his pastoral role--as a minister, he married legions of social activists and christened hundreds of their children. Whether it was weddings, funerals, or baptisms, Joe was always there for his community. In recent years, he has also served as an active and generous member and officer of various boards and advisory committees, including those of the Center for International Policy, the Area Foundation, and the U.S. Institute of Peace. In each of these roles, Joe has brought not only his kind and gentle demeanor and his thirst for truth and fairness, but also a wealth of experience, wisdom and good judgment. His influence has been legendary and welcomed. Joe is also a devoted husband and father who delights in spending time with his family. He has traveled widely with his loving wife, Maria Otero, and takes great pride in his three children, Justin, David and Ana, who lead their lives according to the values they learned from him. As Joe retires from his boards and other formal duties, I hope my colleagues will join me in offering him thanks for a lifetime of service that has made the world a better place. I wish him many years ahead of good health and what our late, great colleague, John Lewis, called ``good trouble''. ____________________”

2025-09-18 · Civil Rights

“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E501] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING KATHLEEN GAGNE ______ HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN of massachusetts in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of a lifelong leader in the Worcester community, Kathleen ``Kathy'' M. Gagne, as she ends her tenure as the Executive Director of Mechanics Hall. Kathleen first arrived at Mechanics Hall in 1994 as the marketing communications and fundraising manager, eventually becoming Executive Director of the Hall in 2018. She has led Mechanics Hall's creative programming with recent initiatives including Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers as well as a free choral program for 4th through 7th graders in Worcester, Massachusetts. She brought world-class performances to a wide range of audiences, fostering a love of the arts, and serving the rich diversity of cultures and communities in the region. During her tenure, the Hall commissioned three portraits of influential 19th century Black Americans and oversaw the installation of state-of-the-art lighting and sound upgrades in both performance halls. Not only has Kathleen been a fabulous Executive Director at Mechanics Hall, but she has also been an important part of our vibrant Worcester community. Kathleen is a board member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the WCIN radio community advisory board, and the American Antiquarian society. She is also a part of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau's Public Service Awards Committee and served as the board president for the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester. Beyond Worcester, Kathleen has been involved with so many initiatives to make not just her community, but the world a better place. She has been a freelance editor for clients that included the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Science Foundation. Kathleen has also served as the Director of the Vermont Institute for Teaching the Arts, doing writing workshops for middle schoolers and substitute teaching for secondary school students. Mr. Speaker, Kathleen is an extraordinary leader and member of our community. And on behalf of both the United States Congress and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am proud to honor her incredible achievements and extend to her our best wishes for her continued success. ____________________”

2025-06-03 · Education

“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 68 (Monday, April 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 68 (Monday, April 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E329-E330] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MIKE COLE ______ HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN of massachusetts in the house of representatives Monday, April 21, 2025 Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor someone who's spent his life making sure the rest of us stay informed--not by standing in front of a camera, but by quietly, tirelessly, and professionally working behind it for over four decades. Even though you don't see his face on TV, Mike Cole is a cornerstone of Boston journalism and one of the most trusted names in the business. He got his start at WHDH before moving to FOX 25--eventually landing at WCVB in 2003. But the values he's carried from newsroom to newsroom haven't changed: Fairness, transparency, accountability, and truth. For the past 28 years, Mike has been a force of nature at WCVB, producing NewsCenter 5 and the Sunday morning political program On the Record. It's the most-watched political talk show in New England--and for good reason. It's thoughtful, fair, and tough. And Mike is one of the main reasons why: Chasing down stories, booking guests, double- checking facts, and putting together a show that keeps viewers informed and engaged. He has an uncanny ability to know which questions will break news and get people talking. I've had the privilege of going On the Record many times over the years, and I can tell you that Mike is the real deal. He cares deeply about getting clear, concise, accurate information on the air. And that kind of public service is beyond invaluable. Mr. Speaker, I also think it's important to recognize that this kind of journalism is under attack. Here in the United States, we've seen political leaders demonize reporters just for doing their jobs. We've heard phrases like ``fake news'' used to discredit hard truths. We've seen threats against journalists trying to tell the public what's going on. And around the world, autocrats and strongmen are increasingly throwing reporters in jail, shutting down news outlets, and targeting those they don't like with censorship and violence In moments like this, we need to uplift people who are fighting for the truth. Because at the end of the day, freedom of the press is about more than just the ability of a journalist to write or say whatever they want. It's about our ability, as a society, to make decisions based on the facts--put in context, and delivered fairly and impartially. Mr. Speaker, it is [[Page E330]] not an exaggeration to say that our democracy depends on people like Mike Cole--working behind the scenes to get the story right, to ask hard questions, and to speak truth to power. So, on behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District of Massachusetts and the United States Congress--I thank Mike for his dedication, his professionalism, his integrity, and his decades of service to the people of New England. We're all better off because of his work to shine the light of truth on the stories that matter--and to hold accountable those we entrust to lead our communities, our commonwealth, and our country. ____________________”

2025-04-21 · Government Reform